Why Meg entered nutrition after illness

Abbie sits down with Meg Bowman, a nutritionist who works at the intersection of mental health, trauma, and nutrition, to explore how our lived experiences—especially chronic illness and trauma—shape our relationship with food and our bodies.

Meg shares her own story of being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, how it led her to a career change from PR to nutrition, and what she’s learned from working with clients who live with trauma, mental health conditions, and digestive issues. This is a conversation that unpacks the deeply human side of nourishment—why it’s not just about what we eat, but about how safe we feel while eating.

More of what you’ll hear:

* How trauma and chronic stress affect digestion and inflammation

* Why nervous system regulation is an essential (and underrated) part of nutrition

* The difference between physical and psychological restriction

* How self-blame and shame can trigger survival responses in the body (and make eating so hard!)

* The illusion of control that dieting and food rules can offer—and why it’s really about safety

* What “messages of safety” look like in real life (hint: regular, balanced meals count!)

* Why so many primary care visits are actually related to stress and trauma

* How to approach food when living with chronic illness without falling into restriction

Meg also shares her refreshing, realistic take on healing—one that doesn’t romanticize “perfect eating,” but instead honors the nervous system, lived experience, and the body’s need for both nourishment and compassion.

More about Meg and her book: https://www.megbowmannutrition.com/body-on-trauma-book

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Podcast Cover Photography by Anya McInroy

Podcast Editing by Brian Walters

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